I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. When researching hummingbirds didn't work for author Frank Nischk turned to insects, and not just any insects but the ones people really dislike like cockroaches and crickets. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on sounds in the rainforest having visited it several times.

Narrator was good; actually did scientific pronunciations well. The book was very enjoyable. I'm an entomologist, so I'm probably biased in that I already like cockroaches and crickets, but the author made them accessible to those who may not be so fond of insects. I also like how he talks about preservation of insects!

Audiobook received for free through NetGalley

It took a little bit to get into this book but I absolutely loved it once I did. Perfect overview of insects and loved the little stories. Came across this after Mark Rober’s bedbug video (which this didn’t touch on) but combine closely together makes them both a bit better. Love it.

Nischk gives us a part memoir, part science book that really comes in strong. As Nischk details his academic journey from one failed research area to another, he also gives the reader all sorts of facts, pieces of information, and great stories.

If the idea of an entomologist's memoir interests you, I don't think you'll be disappointed with this one.

Instead of studying butterflies in the Amazon, Nischk got stuck with studying cockroach poop. While this would probably be a hard no for me, Nischk found his niche (sorry for the pun). He goes on to have a successful career studying insects, not just cockroaches and crickets, both in his homeland in Germany but also returning to the jungles.

Nischk's enthusiasm for his work is infectious and kept me engaged throughout his adventures. I learned so much about the critters such as the purpose of a cricket's song which unintentionally created an international conflict. Who knew that I would want to understand more about cockroaches and even felt slightly bad that the goal was to find a way to remove them from homes. I also really appreciated Nischk reminder that insects play an important role in nature and links to climate change. If you are interested in often overlooked creatures in nature, this is a good one.

In this book we learn how frank Nish started his love affair with insects. From hummingbirds to cockroaches. This book is funny informative and a really great read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book way more than one would think you could enjoy a book about insects but when someone loves somethings so much sometimes it can’t help but infect others. I thought the narrator did a great job in I highly recommend the sport. If you like me and like to know things you don’t know then find out about Frank Nish and why he loves insects so much. I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

Listen. Don't ask me why I listened to this. I don't know! I don't do bugs, especially roaches, spiders and grasshoppers. For some reason this seemed like an interesting listen, so I did. Surprisingly I was engaged the entire time and actually enjoyed learning more about the creepy crawly. I don't think I am less scared or grossed out by bugs but I do have a new respect to see them differently. The narrator was top knotch.

In this delightful venture into the world of bugs, we follow Frank Nischk’s journey as his interest and research grew. Part memoir, and part science facts, this book will fascinate you and introduce you to the incredible evolution and qualities of our invertebrate comrades.

This book is not my usual genre, nor my usual interest. When I saw an audiobook with “cockroaches” in the title, I had to click on it just to see what it would be. The synopsis drew me in, but even that didn’t prepare me for how much I enjoyed this book.

Nischk’s enthusiasm and passion fly off the page, and the wonder with which he sees the world is contagious. I fully expected that I would have to push through with difficulty, but that was not the case whatsoever.

I was so enthralled by this book that I came home and couldn’t help but tell my husband my favourite parts at length. The story about his friend who found a peculiar infestation that he proceeded to research was so fascinating, and I was with him every step of the way.

I laughed out loud while reading this book. I don’t think I can emphasize how surprised I was.

He mentions who won the Nobel Prize for Literature because his writing on entomology was such a fascinating narrative. I think Nischk’s book succeeded in following the same path, and I would recommend it to anyone! Me!! Recommending a book about bugs!! So glad that I gave it a chance.

Ski Boo Dee Beep Bee
-Dancing Cockroach meme

This was a really interesting book on animals.

I thought it really humanized some pests - for example cockroaches.

It really detailed a lot of interesting aspects of cockroaches and I found them pretty fascinating.

All that being said, there were some downright gross bits in this book too.
Whenever I hear about paralizing a prey bug, laying eggs in its chest cavaties and letting the brood hatch while it is still alive and consume the prey from the inside out - I get lightheaded.

After reading this, I still would not have any cockroaches as a pet but I thought that their life cycle and survival mechanisms are quite impressive.

It also detailed a lot about crickets, and even touched a bit on jellyfish which I also thought were very interesting.

This book did go on quite long, but it was quite an interesting read that I think will be especially fun for younger audiences or those interested in entomology.

3.9/5

Despite its title, this book is not only about cockroaches and crickets, but all kinds of insects, arachnids, even birds and mammals. There is so much fascinating information here, that I kept “rewinding” the Audiobook trying to retain as much as possible. With a foreword by Carl Safina, an author I love, these are the experiences of Frank Nischk in the lab, the classroom and, more interestingly, natural environments that most of us can only dream of. The last part is a call to action, specifying what we can all do to help reverse the irreversible loss of so many animal species. Mike Chamberlain is a great choice for a narrator because he sounds so approachable and friendly, while he tells you mind blowing facts. I picked up this read because I’m irrationally afraid of cockroaches. If I had to jump over one to escape a hissing cobra I’d choose death. I’m not sure if knowing what I learned about how they are such good parents will ever help me get over it, but it was nice to learn so much about such a neglected species.
I chose to listen to this audiobook and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, #NetGalley/# Tantor Audio!

While I am far from a bug lover, I can appreciate learning about insects from a safe distance. Of Cockroaches and Crickets is an excellent choice for that!

While I personally found the charm of this journalistic style book to be slightly oversold, I cannot overvalue its contents. It is full of interesting facts about a variety of creatures (not limited to bugs), interspersed with recollections of the author's time studying and learning about his topic of choice. As with many modern books about animals and the earth, the importance of conservation is earnestly argued and utterly convincing.